New York police department is working on setting up license plate readers and cameras throughout Lower Manhattan

New York will soon follow in the footsteps of London’s “ring
of steel” by implementing its own Lower
Manhattan Security Initiative, reported CNET.
The security initiative will have more than 100 cameras that will monitor cars
through Lower Manhattan.

London's ring of steel entails a network of cameras and roadblocks that are
designed to track and deter terrorists. The images captured by officials
have aided in the tracking of suspects of previous threats.

New York's police commissioner, Raymond W. Kelly, stated last week that
department has obtained $25 million toward the project, yet the estimated cost
of the plan reaches a hefty $90 million. Roughly $15 million came from
Homeland Security grants and another $10 million came from the city. At
this point, Kelly states that there are enough funds to install roughly 116
license plate readers in fixed and mobile locations over the next few months.

"This area is very critical to the economic lifeblood of this
nation," said Kelly in an interview last week with CNET. "We want to make it less vulnerable."

If fully financed, the project will include license plate readers and 3,000
public and private cameras below Canal Street. There will also be a
center staffed by police and private security officers, and roadblocks.

As of now, the license plate readers have been ordered, and the program is
still waiting on more funding, hopefully from federal grants. The entire
operation is expected to be in place and running by 2010.

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